LIBERTY — The Amite County school board is a step closer to large-scale construction projects at its elementary and high school campuses, thanks in large part to revenues received from oil and timber.
Money for the district’s capital improvement plan, for the first time in a long time in the district, is not a question.
The list of repairs is extensive, according to Superintendent Scotty Whittington, who listed the needs during a slide show at the school board meeting last Thursday.
Among them are roof work on the high school, elementary school and central office; flooring at the high school; the installation of surveillance cameras at both schools; air conditioning in the high school gymnasium and painting in the high school entrance way, gym entryways, offices and teachers’ lounge.
“We are having a reputable company looking into all of the improvements we need. We want to make sure we take all the stops needed to make this as affordable and as well done as possible,” business manager Tommy Felter said.
School officials wouldn’t name the company examining the scope of the work but said they plan to open bids at next month’s board meeting.
“We’ve kicked that bucket down the road. I just hope we get started here soon,” board chair Diane Cook said.
The Tuscaloosa Marine Shale oil play and timber sales have been a financial boon to the district. July’s cash balance was $26,174,498, and that could get closer to $30 million by July 2015, Felter said.
Amite County Service Forester Bretta Palmer updated the board on the other traditional driver of revenue on 16th Section land — timber.
From July 2013-June 2014, total timber revenue was $827,123 generated on 923 acres, Palmer said. Expenses totaled $31,605 for the work. Palmer estimates just over a million dollars of revenue by next year with $21,120 in expenses.
Timber sale proceeds are split into two accounts. The larger part, 85 percent, is put into a 16th Section land account. The other 15 percent is put into a forestry escrow account. These funds are used for forestry operating expenses.
The board can access money from any resource considered renewable. Timber fits into that category since it can be replanted.
Application of herbicide on 429 acres cost the district close to $29,191. Plans are to spray 351 acres next year for an estimated cost of $20,598.
Palmer reported 387 acres of reforestation for the year at a cost of $37,984. By next year, Palmer expects to have 351 acres reforested at a cost of $34,449.
Foresters surveyed one boundary mile of 16th Section land at a cost of $3,000, and Palmer said there are plans to survey six boundary miles by next year.
With the influx of oil and timber cash, Felter suggested investment possibilities that would lead to a higher rate of return. Felter said school boards in Lamar and Hinds counties have benefited from such investments.
“Now that we have a pretty consistent stream of revenue coming in, it might be a good idea to look into our financial possibilities,” Felter said.
In another matter, as part of efforts to increase state scores for Amite County schools, Superintendent Whittington suggested identifying the lowest 25 percent of students to intensify efforts on.
“The lowest 25 percent make up 46 percent of the grade we are trying to raise. It makes sense to concentrate on these students, to help them, and help us raise our scores,” he said.
In personnel news, the board approved faculty recommendations, resulting in the employment of 101 teachers, administrators and coaches for the new school year.
A total of 1,032 students have been enrolled at the schools, Whittington said.
